Ashley C . Pack
Managing Partner , Charleston Office , Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Photo by PhotoGrafix .
LORI KERSEY
ASHLEY PACK , managing partner for Dinsmore & Shohl LLP ’ s Charleston office , became an attorney the way some people go to work for their family ’ s restaurant . Pack ’ s father was an attorney with his own firm , while her mother managed law firms for decades .
“ Law was our family business ,” says Pack . “ I worked at my parents ’ law firm in the summers during high school and college and performed various clerical tasks like entering the attorneys ’ time and filing pleadings .”
Originally from St . Albans , WV , Pack earned her bachelor ’ s degree in history from the University of Kentucky ( UK ) and went on to study at the university ’ s law
school , where she served as editor of the Kentucky Law Journal .
“ Serving as editor for the Kentucky Law Journal , I developed my love for writing and editing ,” she says . “ Attending UK for both undergrad and law school gave me the opportunity to enjoy the large university experience and the comforts of a small school . I got to see the same students every day , in the same building and developed lasting friendships .”
Pack started her law career as an associate at Dinsmore , during which time she was the recipient of the Alice Neeley Difference Maker Award , an internal award at Dinsmore created to honor a former associate who inspired others with her dedication and positive attitude during her battle with cancer .
“ The award recognizes an associate who has demonstrated dedication to the firm and its clients , uncompromising ethics and professionalism and a positive attitude ,” she says .
Pack advanced to nonequity partner and equity partner at Dinsmore , where she is primarily an employment litigator . Her early mentors and senior colleagues practice employment law , which made the progression natural for her . She enjoys the challenge of problem-solving practical ways to help her clients .
“ I am one of a few of my classmates from law school who still works at the same firm where I started my career ,” she says . “ Dinsmore is a rewarding firm to practice law . Throughout my career , my colleagues have been top notch . They have taught me how to bring value to the cases and clients . Some of my best friends work at Dinsmore .”
Her favorite case in her career so far has been successfully defending the Courier Journal of Louisville , KY , against a motion filed by the Catholic diocese to hold the newspaper in contempt for publishing allegations of sexual abuse by priests .
“ We won , and the First Amendment prevailed ,” she says . “ We have an unbelievably talented group and new generation of firm leaders at Dinsmore who I have had the pleasure of mentoring and leading , and we all work tirelessly to see Dinsmore thrive .”
Dinsmore has offices across the country . Pack was most recently named managing
120
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE